The Pittsburgh Steelers have added another body to the running back room following the conclusion of the rookie mini-camp on Sunday. Last year, the Steelers continued their trend of unearthing gems from their undrafted free agents with running back Jaylen Warren. The organization is going to be giving another undrafted ball carrier a chance to prove he has what it takes. Former Morgan State back, Alfonzo Graham tweeted that he's been signed by the team.
Morgan State Athletics Department
Alphonzo Graham ran for eight touchdowns and topped the 100-yard mark in five games in his final season with Morgan State.
Graham was born and raised in Baltimore and has bounced around his entire football journey. He transferred high schools after his sophomore year and as a junior in 2016, helped his school win its 10th city title. He wasn't recruited and settled on the junior college route playing the 2018 season at Arizona Western College in Yuma and the spring of 2019 at Independence Community College in Kansas. He then played the fall of 2019 at Fullerton College in California.
He finally decided to return to his hometown and joined Morgan State as a walk-on. In 2021, he ran for 506 yards on 54 attempts and rushed for 9.4 yards per carry while adding 5 touchdowns. He showed off some big play ability breaking for 86 yards against Georgetown and 70 yards against Delaware.
In his second and final season with the Bears, he became a school icon. He was the first 1000-yard rusher at the school since 2015 and ran away with the Mid-Eastern Athletic Conference (MEAC) rushing title in 2022 as the conference's only rusher to break the 1,000-yard mark.
He was rewarded for his efforts with an invite to the 2023 HBCU Legacy Bowl and Combine. In the second annual game, Graham managed 21 yards on five carries, but it's tough to judge him on that because of the talent that was there.
What Are The Steelers Getting From The Camp Invitee?
Morgan State Athletics
Former Morgan State Bears Alfonzo Graham running back impressed enough at rookie camp to get another look.
The Steelers invited the HBCU standout to the team's rookie camp on May 10th according to his Twitter and he's walking away with a contract to continue on. The Steelers depth chart at running back is already pretty crowded with Najee Harris and Warren handling the bulk of the carries.
In case of injury, the next up would likely be Anthony McFarland Jr., who hasn't played a ton since the Steelers drafted him in 2020, but flashed some of what he can do in 2022 against the Indianapolis Colts. The team will need help from a backup running back on special teams in 2023. Derek Watt led the team in special teams snaps in 2022 and Benny Snell Jr. played the third most. Both of them are not expected to be back and will need to be replaced. This is where someone like Graham can find a role for himself on game day if he can impress.
Morgan State Athletics Department
Former Morgan State running back Alfonzo Graham will be vying for a spot in the Steeler's crowded running back room.
Coming out of high school, Graham had versatility as a running back or defensive back which could serve him well in a special teams role. Morgan State Head Coach, Damon Wilson told the Baltimore Sun back in November of 2022 that he could see the athletic ability shine with Graham. He just needed some teaching.
"We’re getting him to understand defensive fronts and reads and coverages and all of that good stuff. I think that’s helping him develop more of his game," Wilson said. "He’s tough as nails, and we all know that he’s fast. But now, he’s educating himself and improving his football IQ."
Graham, who has already done so much jumping around in his football career, will certainly be looking for some stability as he tries to get a spot on the Steelers.
Do you think Graham can stick? Let us know in the comments below.
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